1990 Ford F250
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1990 Ford F250. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1990 Ford F250. Newest first.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1990-1993 ford f-series vehicles equipped with dual fuel tanks and 4.9, 5.0,5.8, or 7.5 liter gasoline fueled engines. some vehicles can experience a cross tank fuel flow condition due to a damaged check…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should this occur, the capacity of the receiving tank may be exceeded and fuel may overflow from the filler cap.
Remedy
Ford IS extending the warranty for potential fuel cross-flow to 12 years of service or 150,000 miles from the vehicle's warranty start date, whichever occurs first. this cover will automatically transfer to subsequent owners at no charge. if a vehicle already has more than 150,000 miles, this overage will last until december 31, 2001. if the vehicle IS experiencing a fuel cross-flow condition, dealers will repair the condition free of charge.
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
The steel fuel return tubes that connect the frame fuel return lines with the engine fuel rail can contact the pinch weld flange connecting the dash panel to the floor pan. Continued contact leads to abrasion of the steel fuel return tube and eventually results in a fuel leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Abrasion of the steel tube wall that eventually causes a fuel leak may result in a fire, if a source of ignition IS present.
Remedy
Ford dealers will replace the fuel return tubes with flexible stainless steel braided/teflon tubes. Dealers will also inspect the fuel supply tubes.
A malfunctioning check valve within the fuel pump assembly causes a portion of the unused fuel from one tank to be returned to the second tank. When this occurs, the capacity of the second tank can be exceeded, causing fuel spillage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Spilled fuel can result in a fire when exposed to asource of ignition.
Remedy
Replacement of the fuel pressure regulator and installation of redundant check valves.
A revised brake lining noise insulator resulted in a decrease in the thermal insulation between the brake lining and the front brake caliper piston. This caused greater heat transfer to the caliper pistons with the potential to overheat the brake fluid and diminish brake effectiveness during severe braking conditions.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Increased stopping distances and inablility to holdvehicles on a steep grade results in increased risk of accident in the event ofa sudden stop or when constant braking IS needed to maneuver through areas withsteep grades.
Remedy
Add snap-in insulators that attach to each of the front brake caliper pistons. In addition, vehicles with 7.5 l engines will have insulation added to the engine compartment brake lines.
Under certain conditions, the snap ring that locates the park gear on the output shaft of the transmission may fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
When the gear IS placed in park, the park gear would notengage, allowing the truck to roll freely if the parking brake IS not properlyset. This could result in an accident.
Remedy
Install improved snap ring and revised transmission extension housing.
Incorrectly installed fuel line connectors have fuel supply and return lines crossed.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel could be transferred from one tank to the other,possibly resulting in fuel overflow and spillage, in presence of an ignitionsource, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Replace fuel line assembly.
Owner complaints
111 complaints4 involved a crash14 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
TL* the contact owns a 1990 ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the contact switched from the front fuel tank to the rear fuel tank which caused the rear fuel gauge to read empty. The contact stated after filling the rear gas tank, gasoline started leaking from the front tank…
TL* the contact owns a 1990 ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the contact switched from the front fuel tank to the rear fuel tank which caused the rear fuel gauge to read empty. The contact stated after filling the rear gas tank, gasoline started leaking from the front tank without warning. The contact immediately shut-off the vehicle to prevent a potential fire hazard. Upon investigation, the contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 93v125000 (fuel system, gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vin was not under recall. No further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
- Steering · Suspension
Twice I have been traveling down a street I travel often when out of no where a violent shaking has occurred in the steering wheel of my truck, as well as the entire front end of the truck. This violent shaking, I have been told, IS called a death wobble and very nearly sent me head on into another…
Twice I have been traveling down a street I travel often when out of no where a violent shaking has occurred in the steering wheel of my truck, as well as the entire front end of the truck. This violent shaking, I have been told, IS called a death wobble and very nearly sent me head on into another car. After the first time the truck began shaking I crawled under the truck and tightened the bolts that hold each side of the independent front suspension because a couple were missing and the others had loosened. The second time the shaking occurred it felt as if it broke belts in my tires and no longer rides smooth. I checked under the truck today and the shaking has also broken the steering stabilizer off of the front axle of my truck. after looking at recalls today, it appears that there IS a recall for a 1989 F-250 for front end components, but no such luck with my truck although, to the best of my knowledge, they have the same front axle and steering components. It would be nice to hear back from someone from ford regarding any recalls that would cover front end steering and suspension components of my truck. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1990 ford F250. The contact stated that one of the fuel tanks failed and caused gasoline to overflow into the second tank. Resulting in a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The failure was located at the fuel cap. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 127,586.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1990 ford F-250. The contact stated that a days after switching one of the fuel tanks, fuel started to spew out of the filler neck. The contact stated that once the cap was release and the engine was turned off, the fuel spill could be stopped. The vehicle was towed to the…
TL* the contact owns a 1990 ford F-250. The contact stated that a days after switching one of the fuel tanks, fuel started to spew out of the filler neck. The contact stated that once the cap was release and the engine was turned off, the fuel spill could be stopped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the return valve was stuck between the tanks, which caused fuel to enter the second tank and overflow. As a result the fuel pump failure, the jumper and the roll-over valves needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 93v125000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 116,105.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
TL* the contact owns a 1990 ford F250. the contact stated that the fuel tank strap was rusted and leaking gas. the dealer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. the manufacturer was not contacted to report the failure. the current mileage was 120,000 and the…
TL* the contact owns a 1990 ford F250. the contact stated that the fuel tank strap was rusted and leaking gas. the dealer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. the manufacturer was not contacted to report the failure. the current mileage was 120,000 and the failure mileage was unknown. Updated 06/07/11*lj the consumer stated the strap was not rusted, but it did wear a hole in the gas tank. updated 06/23/11
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
I am the owner of a 1990 F-250, basically began smelling a fuel odor coming from the trucks cab while driving. Looked at the underside of the truck and found a small gas leak at the fuel lines under the pinch weld. Exact same issue as 94v040000, have not fixed problem because ford cannot find this issue on there system. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1990 ford F250. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from at a traffic light, the vehicle felt as if it were traveling over a large amount of liquid. The contact observed excessive fuel leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the…
TL* the contact owns a 1990 ford F250. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from at a traffic light, the vehicle felt as if it were traveling over a large amount of liquid. The contact observed excessive fuel leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact believed nhtsa campaign ID number:01i008000(fuel system, gasoline) to be directly related to the failure. The manufacturer stated that his vin was not included in the recall and would not provide any further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 112,209 and the approximate current mileage was 120,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 ford F250. while driving 45 mph, the fuel pump failed. the contact smelled gas and noticed a gas leak. he bought a new fuel pump and replaced the bodies; however, the failure recurred. the rear fuel tank shut down and the front tank did not register on the fuel gauge.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 ford F250. while driving 45 mph, the fuel pump failed. the contact smelled gas and noticed a gas leak. he bought a new fuel pump and replaced the bodies; however, the failure recurred. the rear fuel tank shut down and the front tank did not register on the fuel gauge. the contact purchased and installed new fuel lines, but the failure recurred. he bought new fuel lines again, but the failure continued. the dealer informed the contact that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 93v125000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). he went to a few dealers and was informed that he did not fall within the time frame for the recall. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 160,000 and failure mileage was 130,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Dt*: the contact stated when the vehicle was using the front fuel tank, the fuel was exhausted quickly. Fuel also leaked out of the rear tank. the vehicle was taken to a private repair shop who determined that the check valve had malfunctioned. there were no immediate repairs made. there was a…
Dt*: the contact stated when the vehicle was using the front fuel tank, the fuel was exhausted quickly. Fuel also leaked out of the rear tank. the vehicle was taken to a private repair shop who determined that the check valve had malfunctioned. there were no immediate repairs made. there was a nhtsa recall # 93v125000, which pertained to the fuel tank assembly. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 09/19/06. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt nhtsa recall 92v026000 was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. my brakes failed. the dealer has not looked at the vehicle because they would charge the consumer for the repairs. Contacted ford, they gave the run around. there was no warning before…
Dt nhtsa recall 92v026000 was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. my brakes failed. the dealer has not looked at the vehicle because they would charge the consumer for the repairs. Contacted ford, they gave the run around. there was no warning before the brakes went out. The brake fluid was over heating. The brake pedal went down to the floor. Had to use emergency brake, and the brakes on the boat that I was towing. This happened on friday august 12, 2005. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumer concerned about recall on 1990 ford F250 fuel tank. *bf the vehicle's front tank pushed fuel to the rear tank which caused it to overflow. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility who found recall 93s68 which referenced that failure. the consumer never received a recall…
Consumer concerned about recall on 1990 ford F250 fuel tank. *bf the vehicle's front tank pushed fuel to the rear tank which caused it to overflow. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility who found recall 93s68 which referenced that failure. the consumer never received a recall notice from the manufacturer. the consumer contacted the manufacturer who informed him that he was over the mileage and time allotted for the recall. the independent dealer replaced the faulty check valve, regulator and fuel pump but this did not correct the overflow condition. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The truck front fuel tank filled the rear tank and caused it to over flow. *bf the consumer indicated that he never received the recall notice for the fuel tank check valve problem. the dealer replaced the recalled component but the failure recurred. the dealer also replaced the fuel pump, return line check valve but the fuel leakage continued. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices
I have a 1990 ford F250 with duel gas tanks. The first problem was the truck would die for what seemed like no obvious reason. I had a diagnostic done to no avail. The truck would run fine cold, but once it got hot it would die. Finally I took it to a local mechanic and he found it was the tank…
I have a 1990 ford F250 with duel gas tanks. The first problem was the truck would die for what seemed like no obvious reason. I had a diagnostic done to no avail. The truck would run fine cold, but once it got hot it would die. Finally I took it to a local mechanic and he found it was the tank selector switch which lets me choose the front or rear gas tank. This first switch cost me $300.00 to fix. Its been about 8 months since the switch was replaced. It just went out again. This time I replaced it myself with a switch from a ford dealer. When I unhooked the switch from the harness it was melted on the inside of the switch and the harness was almost unusable. I went to a local ford dealer and the sales clerk said that this IS a common problem because he sells these switches a lot and this was not the first time he heard of the switch melting. This IS a fire waiting to happen. Ford should recall this part and fix the root of the problem. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Reference nhtsa campaign # 93v125000 recall # 93s68. (1) the vehicle had been driven about one hour - while parking in front of the house on the street, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline. I was running on the back tank and quickly switched to the front tank. after shutting off the ignition…
Reference nhtsa campaign # 93v125000 recall # 93s68. (1) the vehicle had been driven about one hour - while parking in front of the house on the street, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline. I was running on the back tank and quickly switched to the front tank. after shutting off the ignition and exiting vehicle I saw gasoline spilling out of the front tank from under the cap (still on). This continued for some 5-10 seconds and then stopped. when I loosened the cap, the flow of gasoline restarted - and stopped again when cap was tightened back down. (2) thankfully, the failure did not result in fire or loss of property - only fuel loss and personal anxiety and expense. (3) web research revealed the above recall and when speaking to a fmc representative at the hotline I was advised that this vehicle had received the recall repair. I was also advised that the warranty period had expired dec.31, 2001 and I would be responsible for any repairs. when presented to the dealership for repairs, I was advise that the fuel pump valve repairs would be my responsibilty and not covered by fmc. why does the recall repair fail? And why does the consumer have to foot the bill?*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Driver's side seat belt disconnected while driving. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for analysis, and mechanic determined that a replacement part was needed. but the consumer would pay $350.00 for that part.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices
My ford F250 (1990) IS leaking gas and I understand there was a recall. why haven't I received a notice? *la
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
Gas IS leaking into the front tank, it doesn't stop the vehicle from operating, but it IS a danger if consumer continues to drive it. Vehicle has been checked before for the same problem, but currently dealer IS asking for payment due to the age of the vehicle.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning consumer flipped the switch to switch from the first tank to the second tank and vehicle caught on fire. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tread separation. *nlm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Fuel pump motor continued to run, after the engine was shut off. The consumer disconnected battery. Apple ford replaced the relay part but claimed the part was not covered by recall. *ak *cb *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
The consumer received a recall notice (nhtsa # 01i008000) a few months ago, however the dealer refused to honor the recall. *jb *ts
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The vehicle was equipped with dual gas tanks, the dealer replaced the pump, electrical switch and sensor. However, the problem still exists. *jb....*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Fire broke out in the dashboard.there was a recall regarding the ignition, however consumer was informed vehicle was not included due to the vehicle identification number.*jb
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumers vehicle wil shut off without warning.
- Unknown or other
The spare tire IS too close to the exhaust pipe, and has lost two tires due to the exhaust pipe burning holes in the tire. the spare tire IS located underneath the rear fuel tank. the dealer has been notified. ph scc
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Dual fuel tank crossflow/leakage
On july 14, 1993 ford filed a defect information report concerning fuel tank cross flow leakage on f-series light trucks and cab chassis built from july 22, 1989 through december 17, 1992.the remedy was to replace the fuel pressure regulator and install a check valve between each fuel supply line and fuel tank (2) to…
On july 14, 1993 ford filed a defect information report concerning fuel tank cross flow leakage on f-series light trucks and cab chassis built from july 22, 1989 through december 17, 1992.the remedy was to replace the fuel pressure regulator and install a check valve between each fuel supply line and fuel tank (2) to repair the supply side fuel cross flow problem (recall 93v-125).odi opened rq98-008 on may 29, 1998 because of the large number of alleged remedy failures and reports of fuel cross flow on vehicles outside of the recall population.based onthe information received from ford on august 11, september 30, and december 15, 1998, and the increasing trend of remedy failures and out of scope crossflow reports, odi opened ea99-032 on november 4, 1999.the attached engineering analysis closing report fully describes the results of this investigation and reason for closing.the subject vehicles can experience fuel transfer from one tank to the other due to malfunctions in the fuel system.when fuel IS pumped or returned to the non-operating tank (cross flow), the capacity of the non-operating tank can be exceeded, causing fuel to overflow past the filler cap, creating a fire potential.
- Ford f-series dual fuel tank leakage
These vehicles can experience fuel transfer from one tank to the other due to a malfunctioning fuel pump.from the information gathered to date, it appears that there can be multiple causes and/or a combination of causes for fuel cross flow and that the recall remedy may be inadequate.further investigation IS needed.this investigation IS upgraded to ea99-032.click on document search button for additional information.
- Fuel line routing
There is no summary currently available
- Alternator belt failure
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel expulsion
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel expulsion
There is no summary currently available
- Loss of brake effectivenes
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- Fuel expulsion
There is no summary currently available
- Spare tire fires
There is no summary currently available
- Loss of brake effectivenes
There is no summary currently available
- Transmission fluid fires
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 3055147Unknown
- 613350Service tip information regarding the reverse clutch piston and piston seal usage.
- 609737Transmission- e40d/4r100-1989-99-main controls, separator plates and separator plate gaskets usage chart. Yd
- 609736Transmission-e40d-no 2-3 upshift. Some vehicles may exhibit a no 2-3 upshift condition.
- 605721Some vehicles may develop "cavitation" erosion in the cylinder wall of the engine.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601045Front caliper piston boots damaged.
- 601036Some vehicles may exhibit excessive brake pedal travel, irregular front lining wear, and brake pull.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51691Accessory drive belts- fead belt comes off- vehicles with 4.9L engine.
- 51689Frame- rivet replacement with bolts- service tips.
- 51669Noise- "popping/creaking"- front frame or suspension brackets- frame- "popping/creaking"- fastener replacement.
- 51401Diagnostic guides for out-of-warranty vehicles to be used as a master copy - diagnostic guides no longer available from adistra.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 45943Steering gear-replacement of bendix, steering gear with new ross steeering gear.
- 45086Delayed forward engagement and/or heat stained forward clutch plates after installing center support service.
- 45085Revised design transmission rear case bushing.
- 42085Unknown
- 42080Unknown
- 41029Knocking noise on initial start-up.
- 41012Some vehicles may exhibit a lack of power or a no start condition due to an exhaust restriction.
- 40086Lack of power or no start condition may be due to exhaust restriction caused by a plugged catalytic converter and/or muffler.
- 39913New design transmission range sensor.
- 39904Revised oil pan gasket.
- 39892There may be a concern of poor performance, coolant in the oil and engine knocking and/or hydraulic lock on some vehicles.
- 39831Vehicles with manual transmission may have a lack of power or no start condition caused by a plugged catalytic converter or muffler.
Every Ford F250 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.